We’re so glad that school is out and summer is here!

Hey GEMS! There’s all kinds of fun things we want to do this summer, and we just realized we’re going to need some money! We figured you probably do too, so we came up with six ideas for how to earn $$ this summer. Make sure you ask your parents for permission before you try any of these. You might want to do these jobs with a friend and split the money. That’s even more fun!

1.Lemonade Stand

Set up a table and chair in your yard by the street. Make a sign that says lemonade $1.00 (or whatever price you choose). Make some lemonade. You could also make iced tea. You’ll need some disposable cups and a cooler of ice. Sit by your lemonade stand.

Tip from Evangeline:

As cars in your neighborhood drive by, hold up your sign. Jump up and down and wave at them to get their attention. If you can get them to stop, they won’t be able to say no to an iced cold drink!

2. Dog Walking

Offer to walk their dog for neighbors, friends, or family. This is a pretty easy job, and fun, except for one thing.

Tip from Mercedes:

Make sure and take two or three doggie bags with you because if the dog does it’s business, you have to pick it up. Ewww!

3. Report Card

Show your report card to your parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. You never know, they might pay for good grades.

It’s finally here!

Hey GEMS: The day we’ve been waiting for is almost here … the last day of school! We are so excited, and we bet you are too. It’s such a special day we think we should celebrate. Do you have something planned? Most schools have a half day, so you’ll have LOTS of time for something fun! Here are five ideas we came up with.

1. Cupcakes

Bring Cupcakes to school and share them with your class. All your friends and your teacher will enjoy a treat to celebrate.

2. Movie Theater

Ask your parents if they will take you to meet your friends at the theater. A Movie after school would be lots of fun.

Tomorrow, May 20th is

National Learn to Swim Day.

Hey GEMS: We think this is a great time to think about water safety because lots of pools are getting ready to open for the summer. Yay! We love going to the pool and we hope you do too!

If you haven’t learned to swim yet, don’t be embarrassed. And don’t miss out on the fun! You can learn to swim and have fun with all your friends at the pool this summer! Here’s how to start.

First get used to putting your face in the water, like Mercedes!

Practice in the shower or a sprinkler. Let the water run on your face.

The best way to learn to swim is to take swimming lessons, or have an adult teach you. But here are some things you can do until you can take lessons. Ask your parent to take you to a pool to practice. Find a pool with a lifeguard, and have an adult stay with you to be sure you are safe.

Things you’ll need:

Swim goggles will keep the chemicals in the pool water out of your eyes.

A swim cap will keep your hair out of your face. Or if you have long hair, put it in a braid.

Here are 5 things to practice to learn how to swim.

1. Water Walking

Get in the shallow end and walk around. Get used to the water and how it feels different than walking on land. Start with water at your knees, then go deeper gradually to armpits. At first you may be a little afraid. That’s normal. Don’t worry if this takes a few visits until you’re comfortable going this far into the pool.